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Laredo Sector Border Patrol agent is awarded Purple Cross medal

Release Date
Fri, 05/22/2015

LAREDO, TEXAS – Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Kent Galindo was awarded the Purple Cross medal during a ceremony held yesterday at Texas A&M International University.

Border Patrol Agent awarded purple cross

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Kent Galindo was awarded the Purple Cross medal during a ceremony at Texas A&M International University.

The Purple Cross is the Border Patrol’s highest recognition for agents wounded in the line of duty.

Laredo Sector Border Patrol Interim Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez pinned the medal on Galindo during a ceremony that was attended by fellow agents, employees and family members.

“I am thankful I can still put my uniform on, I consider myself one of the fortunate ones,” Galindo said after the ceremony.

Galindo was severely injured during a human smuggling attempt in October, 2008.  He has recovered from his injuries and is assigned to the Laredo South station.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021